FUNDING PERKS UP BRISBANE BEVERAGE

A BRISBANE invention is set to shake up Australia's beverage industry after securing investment.

PERKii packs a probiotic punch with one billion live bacteria to aid digestive health, using world-first technology developed by scientists at the University of Queensland.

Scientist Bhesh Bhandari created Progel technology to produce microgels on a commercial scale. The microgels protect the probiotics as they travel to the lower digestive system.

Uniseed, UniQuest, Brisbane Angels and a number of high net worth investors have come on board to support the national launch.

PERKii CEO Randy Milne says the company is pleased to align with investors committed to delivering a healthy beverage to Australian consumers.

"We are excited and extremely proud to be associated with this calibre of investor," Milne says.

"Their experience and ability to grow successful companies is evident and we are sure PERKii will continue to grow and achieve new successes with the support of this group."

The former national business manager at Coca-Cola Amatil has been guiding the company through a trial period at Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast since September.

"During this trial period, PERKii has received a lot of positive feedback from outlets and customers looking for a delicious, low calorie, lactose-free probiotic drink that targets the digestive system," Milne says.

PERKii is 85 per cent water-based, uses natural flavours, has 26 calories and just one and a half teaspoons of sugar from apples. Flavours include pomegranate and raspberry, lime and coconut and green tea and elderflower.

The drink is available nationally from Caltex Woolworths and convenience sites, as well as Woolworths Bondi and Surry Hills.

Production commenced earlier this year at Mudgee-based facility Bevco.